Frequent fliers and those who fly several times a year can benefit the most from having TSA PreCheck simply due to the shorter wait times you'll encounter at security checkpoints. The majority of travelers experience wait times under five minutes, and 99% wait less than 10 minutes, according to the TSA.

In 2026, TSA PreCheck is considered an essential tool for any frequent traveler, as about 99% of PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes in security lines. The primary value lies in the "no-friction" experience: you do not need to remove your shoes, light jackets, or belts, and your laptop and 3-1-1 liquids can stay inside your bag. This significantly reduces "security stress" and allows you to arrive at the airport much closer to your boarding time. In 2026, the program has also expanded to include "Touchless ID" at many major hubs, using facial recognition for even faster processing. Given that a 5-year membership costs $85 or less (and is often reimbursed by premium credit cards), the "cost-per-flight" is negligible compared to the hours of time saved at the checkpoint over the course of several years.